NICARAGUA

Nicaragua

The vibrant landscape of Nicaragua includes breathtaking lakes and active volcanoes. Behind the beautiful scenery, however, thesix million people who make up Central America’s largest country are among the poorest in the western hemisphere third only to Haiti and Honduras. There are plenty of opportunities for helping organizations to get involved and work for change. Hand in Hand is one organization that is working hard for positive change in peoples’ lives. Do you want to lend a hand?

In November 1998, Hurricane Mitch struck Nicaragua and Hand in Hand became part of the relief efforts. Sending a 40-foot container of relief supplies the next month, Hand in Hand partnered with local feeding centers and schools in Managua. Hand in Hand opened a permanent office in Managua in August 2005 and since then have established two major programs including:

Pathway to Change Program

This program gives nearly 100 children from impoverished backgrounds an opportunity to experience an expanded and well-rounded education in Managua. Books, school uniforms, transportation, special activities and family counseling are the keys to making this program a success.

Parents are very involved and proud to have their kids in the program. They commit to the care and supervision of their child’s schoolwork and provide symbolic monthly payments to maintain their child´s enrollment in the program. Our Children’s Center provides a space for daily tutoring, family meetings and various workshops, along with a children’s library.

Home Building Program

For years, our immersion trip volunteers worked to remodel or repair schools, but the need for housing for our Pathway to Change students and others led to the expansion for our home building program. Our immersion trip volunteers are now working side by side with approximately 15 families in need each year to create safer and better living environments.

*Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are not planning trips to Nicaragua at this time.*

Ways You Can Help

Sponsor a Child

If you would like to take part in the exciting Pathway to Change program, there are many levels from which you can choose. A full sponsorship costs $2000 U.S. per year per child.

Most sponsors choose to support a specific child while others give general support to the program. For sponsors with a selected child, we will provide a recent photograph and regular updates regarding your child’s progress in school and other major life events in your child’s family.

We ask that any contact between you and your sponsored child be through Hand in Hand, and we ask that you resist the temptation to provide gifts to your sponsored child. The gift of the sponsorship itself is, after all, the gift of a lifetime.

For those who would like to help but aren’t ready for a full sponsorship, we offer other meaningful options:
• Tuition, uniforms, books and school supplies – $750
• Transportation, Children’s Center and support – $450
• Breakfast, lunch, vitamins and medical support – $450
• Tutoring, counseling and family support services – $250
• Summer camps, special events and parent meetings – $100

If you would like to sponsor a child, in whole or in part, please contact Tandee Ogburn at tandee@myhandinhand.org or (502)459.9930. Payment plans are available or donate now.

Pathway to Progress (Canada)

Pathway to Progress Nicaragua is a Canadian charity that is dedicated to supporting an innovative program called Pathway to Change in Managua, Nicaragua. This program provides children from the neediest families with the opportunity for quality education in order to break the cycle of poverty. Money raised in Canada is carefully used to cover the costs of scholarships and education expenses for students enrolled in this program.

While Hand in Hand’s presence in Nicaragua has produced positive measurable results, the underlying effects of our efforts are so much greater than the numbers. The people we touch are provided with knowledge, medication, and nutritious meals. They also receive hope – hope for a better future for themselves, their families and their country.

Pathway to Change Report Card

Below are the quarterly results for Hand in Hand’s Pathway for Change program. All averages are calculated using only core-curriculum courses only (Spanish, English, mathematics, science and social studies).

3rd Quarter results for the Pathway Program in 2018:

89 Pathway students started and completed the 2018 3rd Quarter in the Pathway Program

“My favorite moments encompass meeting the people of Nicaragua. Working side by side is a cultural experience that you cannot obtain reading a book or viewing a documentary.” – Joan J.

“One year ago, I left for Nicaragua. I had no idea what to expect of the people, culture, and lifestyle. I was beyond excited to begin my journey, but I had no idea how greatly it would impact me and my future. Today, I couldn’t imagine living life without these experiences. From meeting families, experiencing/living their cultures and traditions firsthand, and working with the people of Managua everyday, there is not a second that I don’t miss. Thank you for giving me the experience of a lifetime.” – S. Thompson

“Over the course of the week our group worked along side the crew. It was powerful to see that no matter what country you come from, or what language you speak, people can create something out of love.” – Claudia L.

“At lunch with the younger children before the pool party I was struggling to speak Spanish with a child and was embarrassed. She seemed equally embarrassed and shy about speaking English. At one point she sneezed and automatically, I said “Bless You.” and she smiled really big and said “You are welcome.” She was so excited to know the English even if it wasn’t the exact phrase she needed. Big bonding moment for us and I realized that if I got Spanish words wrong she didn’t care as long as I tried.” – Melody M.

Surveys

Thank you for traveling with us! Please tell us about your experience on to Nicaragua by taking a quick survey. Your feedback is crucial to our program development.

Don’t forget to leave your contact information at the bottom the survey so we can address your comments if needed and to stay in touch with upcoming information about Hand in Hand.

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